Seven-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced To 15 Years For Possession Of A Firearm

Tampa, FL - United States District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Martez Manning (27, St. Petersburg) to 15 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Manning was subject to an enhanced penalty based on his prior convictions. Manning pleaded guilty on December 20, 2024.

According to court documents, on January 2, 2023, Manning possessed a Beretta model 21A Bobcat semiautomatic pistol and two rounds of CCI 22 Long Rifle ammunition. At the time, Manning seven prior felony convictions, including possession of cocaine, tampering with physical evidence, and five convictions for either sale or delivery of cocaine. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.